Alumni News

"I wish more people were aware that opportunities for support are available. For a long time, I did not know that there are multiple services where I could ask for help. I'm just glad that they are there, and that I am using them. It's not necessary to face the difficulty alone," said one student. Maria College Accessibility Services Coordinator Peter Bocala shares the stories of two students who received support through the Office of Accessibility Services. ADHD, anxiety and depression are all considered disabilities and there are services that can help!

Albany, NY – Maria College was recently awarded a $140,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to support and enhance its Office of Accessibility Services which serves students with disabilities and learning differences. This news comes as the nation prepares to celebrate Disability Awareness month in March.

Alumni participation is a major determining factor in the school’s ability to gain large scale funding from corporations and foundations. Beyond that, your alumni contribution – of any amount — will help create a culture of philanthropy at Maria that helps make the Maria education possible for students who cannot afford college on their own.

As a part of the Educational Technology Phase of the Campus Master Plan, a three-stop elevator was added to the Main Building, improving accessibility to the basement floor, where the campus store is now located, and the second-floor labs and classrooms. A handicap accessible entrance ramp was also added to the back of the building.

Through a new plugin on the mariacollege.edu website, users can use the PageAssist toolbar to adjust the website to their accessibility needs. The plugin allows users to adjust the font size, change contrast, increase the size of the cursor, and more. A purple person icon should appear on the bottom right of your browser window.

From overheard conversations about faith to text alerts from female colleagues, Cait York, Director of the Office of Accessibility Services, writes about the ways that she sees the Maria mission and heritage in action on campus and in her own life, through the activities and dedication of various women. Her blog celebrates International Women's Day and National Women's History Month.

"I came to Maria because I was looking for a place that values student diversity and the unique contributions that students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences bring to the College and to the wider community after they graduate."

In March, we celebrate Catholic Sisters Week. We shine a light on the spirituality, mission and community building of religious women. We recognize our Trustees; Sr. Kathleen Pritty, RSM; Sr. Jean McGinty, RSM; Sr. Ellen Murray, RSM; and Sr. Gail Waring, RSM. We also recognize Maria staff member Sr. Chris Connolly, OP, in providing pastoral care for students. Thank you, Sisters!

Do you like to journal? Or have you ever wanted to journal? If so, consider joining this two-hour, Zoom-based retreat with writer, Debie Thomas. The program will explore the challenges, dangers and beauties of the Lenten wilderness using a variety of writing prompts and techniques.